Rhetoric at the Boundaries: The Art and Theology of the New Testament Chain-link TransitionsIn Rhetoric at the Boundaries Bruce W. Longenecker explores the way in which New Testament authors used an ancient rhetorical device to effect smooth transitions, both large and small. His study demonstrates how recognition of this rhetorical technique proves decisive for New Testament interpretation. Longenecker accomplishes this by examining the evidence for chain-link interlocks in a variety of ancient sources, including the Hebrew scriptures, Jewish and Roman authors of the Graeco-Roman world, and the Graeco-Roman rhetoricians. He then applies the results of the survey to fifteen problematic passages of the New Testament. In each case, Longenecker establishes the presence of chain-link interlock and highlights the structural, literary, and theological significance of the rhetorical device for New Testament interpretation. |
Contents
1 Introduction | 1 |
2 The Rhetoricians Recommendations | 11 |
3 ChainLink Interlock among Other Ancient Rhetorical Devices | 21 |
4 The Anatomy of ChainLink Interlock | 43 |
5 Ancient Examples of ChainLink Interlock | 59 |
6 ChainLink Interlock and the Logic of Romans | 85 |
7 ChainLink Interlock and the Structure of the Apocalypse | 103 |
8 ChainLink Interlock and the Theology of the Fourth Gospel | 121 |
9 ChainLink Interlock in the Narrative of Acts | 165 |
10 ChainLink Interlock and the Interpretation of Acts | 215 |
11 Conclusions | 253 |
Works Cited | 259 |
Index of Biblical and Ancient Sources | 283 |
301 | |